Irene Latham's Blog, page 120
November 12, 2014
November Poem #bloglikecrazy
Today's prompt from Javacia Bowser is to use your favorite Instagram images as a prompt for writing. Instead, I am pairing a recent Instagram pic (taken in my backyard) with a poem I wrote years ago. It actually appears in my book of poems WHAT CAME BEFORE, which was released in 2007, so wow, been a while!To freshen it up for today, I am experimenting with creating images on picmonkey. It's fun! And frustrating. I'm learning. Happy November!
November
Even the skyis naked
now, brisk airhaving finally
chased offthe clouds.
Trees swayin the backyard,
wind pushes my collar up
as yellow-browntornadoes
tear across the lawn
in a dancethat can only
be donewhen all else
has been strippedaway ---
like just beforeour lips touch,
or just after.
- Irene Latham
November 11, 2014
DON'T FEED THE BOY Summer Giveaway Update! #bloglikecrazy
Today's #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser is "post a Q&A with a woman you admire." Love it! And I have done it lots of times. Today I want to revisit a interview I posted with Laura Shovan about her work as editor at Little Patuxent Review. I believe their submissions period for the "food" issue just closed, but keep an eye out -- they always have interesting themes! And now, even though the leaves are finally turning yellow, I want to turn your attention back to summer.
Remember back in June when I hosted a giveaway of a classroom set (25!) to celebrate the paperback release of DON'T FEED THE BOY? Many of you sent in pics of you at a zoo and/or joined me for Zoo Days during June or July. FUN. Michelle Heidenrich Barnes was the lucky winner, and she donated the books to P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville, Florida. Go Blue Wave!
Here are some pics of Mrs. Haynes 5th Grade Advisory Group including Parris, Taylor, Ayonna, A'shawna, Daniela & Mrs. Haynes:
Thank you SO MUCH for reading!
And thanks to Michelle and to student photographer Savannah for taking the shots. Nothing pleases a writer's heart more than seeing readers enjoying a book. And if it's one that writer has written? AWESOME.
Finally: Happy Veteran's Day! Thanks to those service men and women AND their families for their gift to all of us.
November 10, 2014
Manifesto-ing on a Monday #bloglikecrazy
Today's #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser is "Write your manifesto." It's a great prompt, and something I try to do every few years. Here's my most recent, as it appears in my latest book of poems for adults THE SKY BETWEEN US.Cartographer’s CreedWe don’t believe in perfection.We thrive on striving, we give credit where due.Arrows warn of steep climbing—
or precipitous descent.Curving contour linesoffer temporary respite.Every road ends on
or off the map,merging with others, with mountains or meadows.Just because a lake
isn’t sketched and markeddoesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.Despite what we’ve been taught, the legend is not
what’s most important.Explore, meander. Leave something out;allow mystery to watercolor
and soften the ink.Be tender as you unfold.Treasure the placestucked into creases.
- Irene Latham
November 9, 2014
Yes, I Love THE TWILIGHT SAGA, and I'm Not Sorry. #bloglikecrazy
Today's #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser is "write a post about something you do, love, or believe that's unpopular with most folks."
There are more than a few things I could write about, but I've selected my pure, sweet enjoyment and enthusiasm for the Twilight series by Stephenie Myers.
I mean, writers love to hate this series. I don't need to give you a rundown of the complaints and criticisms -- and don't even get me started on the movies! There's the whole Bella-will-do-anything-for-Edward angle... and Holy Creepy, He Watches Her SLEEP!
Well, I for one, get it. I've experienced love like that -- the intoxication, the single-mindedness... I wish everyone in the world that experience. And him watching her sleep? It's sweet. I am Team Edward all the way and until the End of Time. I like the old-fashionedness of it, the devotion. And there's Girl Power, too. Both. That's what I want in my entertainment and real life.
Oh, and the movies! Say what you will, but I love them! Sweet Husband and I have watched the whole series through more than one. (For the record, NEW MOON is my fave book and movie, with the last movie following as second favorite.)
So there. Now you know. Me + Twilight = BFF. Possibly this event in my teenhood might have something to do with it. :) And for those who disagree: we love what we love. Simple as that.
There are more than a few things I could write about, but I've selected my pure, sweet enjoyment and enthusiasm for the Twilight series by Stephenie Myers.I mean, writers love to hate this series. I don't need to give you a rundown of the complaints and criticisms -- and don't even get me started on the movies! There's the whole Bella-will-do-anything-for-Edward angle... and Holy Creepy, He Watches Her SLEEP!
Well, I for one, get it. I've experienced love like that -- the intoxication, the single-mindedness... I wish everyone in the world that experience. And him watching her sleep? It's sweet. I am Team Edward all the way and until the End of Time. I like the old-fashionedness of it, the devotion. And there's Girl Power, too. Both. That's what I want in my entertainment and real life.
Oh, and the movies! Say what you will, but I love them! Sweet Husband and I have watched the whole series through more than one. (For the record, NEW MOON is my fave book and movie, with the last movie following as second favorite.)
So there. Now you know. Me + Twilight = BFF. Possibly this event in my teenhood might have something to do with it. :) And for those who disagree: we love what we love. Simple as that.
November 8, 2014
How NOT to Write Poetry #bloglikecrazy
Today's #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser is "Write a How NOT to Post."If I was feeling clever today, I would totally whip something up for all of you to read. (I think the How NOT to posts are generally supposed to be clever and funny.) But I'm tired today, and all out of clever. The best I can offer is a roundup of links where others speak on the topic of How NOT to Write Poetry. Enjoy!
Poetry Foundation
The Paris Review
Poefrika
The Literature Network Forums
Poems & Quotes
November 7, 2014
How To Live Your Poem #bloglikecrazy
Hello, and Happy Poetry Friday! Be sure to visit the ever-inspiring (and ever-inspired!) Diane at Random Noodling for Roundup!Since November 1, I have been participating in #bloglikecrazy, following prompts provided by Javacia Bowser. So far I have blogged about:
Why I Blog
Life Goals
Personal Mission Statement.
Open Letter
Letter to a Younger Me
A Case Against Expertise
and today's prompt is "Write a How To Post." As many of you know, I have a page on this blog dedicated to How To Live Your Poem. This prompt reminded me that's it's been a while since I added any new poems to the list, and when I read through my list, I realized there's not a single children's poem included.We need to change that! If you can think of a children's poem that should be included, please let me know in comments so I can add it! Meanwhile, I offer you the two newest editions to the list:
15. Wait. "Patience" by Marilyn Singer
Patience
by Marilyn Singer
I thought I would be taller
in the mountains
A queen of green and brown
my realm laid out below me
neat as the rug Grandma hooked
one St. Patrick's Day
I thought I would be braver
in the mountains
Following the fierce paths
of pumas and grizzlies
Ledge leaper
Crag climber
Taking nothing for granted
Leaving nothing unexplored
I thought I would be wiser
in the mountains
Reading the history of the world
in the weathered rocks
Hearing lectures
in the wind and water falls
Stretching my mind
broader than Grandpa's tall stories
multiplied by ten
I thought I would be tall
braver
wiser
in the mountains
And I wasn't
But I am more patient
in the mountains
And I can wait
-from FOOTPRINTS ON THE ROOF: Poems about the Earth by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Meilo So (Knopf, 2002)
--------------------------------------------
16. Take the string you need. "To a Red Kite" by Lilian Moore
To A Red Kite
by Lilian Moore
Fling
yourself
upon the sky.
Take the string
you need.
Ride high
high
above the park.
Tug and buck
and lark
with the wind.
Touch a cloud,
red kite.
Follow the wild geese
in their flight.
from SOMETHING NEW BEGINS: New and Selected Poems by Lilian Moore (Atheneum, 1982)
November 6, 2014
The Case Against Expertise #bloglikecrazy
Today's #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser is this: “Everyone is an expert in something. Write a post about your area of expertise – why you consider yourself and expert and how you came to be one.”I'm good at a lot of things: cooking, sewing, crafting, time management, listening, loving others, meeting deadlines, problem solving....
When I asked my husband what I'm an expert at, he said “saying yes to our children.” It's true: YES is my parenting philosophy. I try to say "yes" as much as possible. Now that I've been a parent for over 20 years, I guess maybe I'm good at it. But an expert? Hmmmmm....
And then there's writing. I've written millions of words. I've been fortunate enough to have books published. But. I AM NOT AN EXPERT.
Even with poetry, the genre I have the most experience with, I still feel like a beginner. I have so much more to learn!
I consider myself a student of the world. I am learning every day. I don't know that I'll ever be comfortable using the word “expert” to describe myself.
So maybe... I'm an expert at NOT being an expert. Ha!
November 5, 2014
Dear Younger-Writer-Me, As You Embark upon the Journey of Publication #bloglikecrazy
Dear Younger-Writer-Me, As You Embark upon the Journey of Publication,
Here you are, finally. I'm thrilled to see you pulling those poems and stories out of drawers, seeing them as a reader might see them. It's an exciting time, and I'm so glad you're here. You've been writing for a long time. You're good at it. You love words.
No matter how it may seem, how you may regret waiting so long to get started, remember you're not too late or too early; you're exactly where you need to be. And it's great that you want to try now to get published. One of the most wonderful parts about being a writer is connecting with others, fulfilling that promise of communication. This is what you've been moving toward ever since 4 year old you began jotting poems and thoughts and lines.
You need to know that it's not going to happen right away. This dream of yours, it's not going to go the way you want it to or the way you think it should. As clever as you are, as much as you crave and think you deserve it, there are no shortcuts. You can't manipulate this. Strap on your hiking boots and pack light. It's going to be a long journey. You'll get lost sometimes. You'll want to turn back. You'll want to crawl back into your comfortable skin.
Don't.
Above all, trust the process. Let go of the outcome. Allow the universe an opportunity to bring this to you instead of you working so hard to make it happen.
Focus on the writing. Like any other skill, it takes practice. You will learn and improve and all those ideas aching to emerge will sing. It takes time. Ten thousand hours. More.
Be brave. Enter contests. Share your work. Ask for help. Listen. Try out other people's suggestions. Sift through the information you're given for the shiny specks. Remember that words are fluid. And there are so many of them! Move them around, discard them, replace them, make up new ones. There is no one right path. You will get there however you get there.
The only way to fail is to stop writing.
Don't stop.
Even on the days when you receive a crushing rejection, remember your words are important. The world needs your stories. You are the only one with your particular truth. You must carry on. You've been given a gift – the love of the written word, the patience and wonder it takes to create poems and stories – share it with the world. Love yourself enough to resist judgment and comparisons and envy and those other wastes. Write like the world is on fire, and it's your job to save it. Write like you're an alien visiting from another planet. Write like your heart will stop beating if you don't.
And someday, when you do get published, pop the cork, dance a jig. Then remind yourself it's not about you. You didn't do this. It's the words. And how they flow through you. Pick up your paddle. Go back to the river. Always go back to the river.
Love,You, A Little Further Along the Trail
Thank you, Javacia Bowser for the "Write a letter to your younger self" #bloglikecrazy prompt!
Here you are, finally. I'm thrilled to see you pulling those poems and stories out of drawers, seeing them as a reader might see them. It's an exciting time, and I'm so glad you're here. You've been writing for a long time. You're good at it. You love words.
No matter how it may seem, how you may regret waiting so long to get started, remember you're not too late or too early; you're exactly where you need to be. And it's great that you want to try now to get published. One of the most wonderful parts about being a writer is connecting with others, fulfilling that promise of communication. This is what you've been moving toward ever since 4 year old you began jotting poems and thoughts and lines.
You need to know that it's not going to happen right away. This dream of yours, it's not going to go the way you want it to or the way you think it should. As clever as you are, as much as you crave and think you deserve it, there are no shortcuts. You can't manipulate this. Strap on your hiking boots and pack light. It's going to be a long journey. You'll get lost sometimes. You'll want to turn back. You'll want to crawl back into your comfortable skin.
Don't.
Above all, trust the process. Let go of the outcome. Allow the universe an opportunity to bring this to you instead of you working so hard to make it happen.
Focus on the writing. Like any other skill, it takes practice. You will learn and improve and all those ideas aching to emerge will sing. It takes time. Ten thousand hours. More.
Be brave. Enter contests. Share your work. Ask for help. Listen. Try out other people's suggestions. Sift through the information you're given for the shiny specks. Remember that words are fluid. And there are so many of them! Move them around, discard them, replace them, make up new ones. There is no one right path. You will get there however you get there.
The only way to fail is to stop writing.
Don't stop.
Even on the days when you receive a crushing rejection, remember your words are important. The world needs your stories. You are the only one with your particular truth. You must carry on. You've been given a gift – the love of the written word, the patience and wonder it takes to create poems and stories – share it with the world. Love yourself enough to resist judgment and comparisons and envy and those other wastes. Write like the world is on fire, and it's your job to save it. Write like you're an alien visiting from another planet. Write like your heart will stop beating if you don't.
And someday, when you do get published, pop the cork, dance a jig. Then remind yourself it's not about you. You didn't do this. It's the words. And how they flow through you. Pick up your paddle. Go back to the river. Always go back to the river.
Love,You, A Little Further Along the Trail
Thank you, Javacia Bowser for the "Write a letter to your younger self" #bloglikecrazy prompt!
November 4, 2014
Election Day Poem & an Open Letter #bloglikecrazy
Election Day
Sift through promises,replay interviews;
step inside the booth.Forget scripted speeches,
and candy-wrapped slogans.Weigh again each pro
and con. Rememberthe teeming world,
its people who dreamof freedom--
so many deniedthe right to decide.
Read the names,imagine a future;
make the best choice.In the space between breaths
your voice is heardwithout a word.
- Irene Latham
...and the #bloglikecrazy prompt today from Javacia Bowser is Write a letter to your younger self. I want to do that. I will do that. Tomorrow. Today, please accept a link to the prompt for tomorrow (see, I'm just switching things up!): Write an open letter to someone you need to thank. One of my favorite posts I've ever written is an open letter: DEAR JULIUS LESTER. Enjoy! Meanwhile, I'm adding the open letter prompt to my priority list for 2015. Perhaps monthly?? Hmmm...
November 3, 2014
Peter Anderson Art Festival & a Mission Statement #bloglikecrazy
This past weekend Paul and I traveled to Ocean Springs, MS, for the annual Peter Anderson Art Festival. It's kind of a big deal -- more than 150,000 people visit, and there are over 400 artists exhibiting their work!
I learned about Walter Anderson from my friend Hester Bass, who wrote the book THE SECRET WORLD OF WALTER ANDERSON (illustrations by E.B. Lewis). Also, I have a couple of friends who hail from the Ocean Springs area. I've wanted to go explore the area for myself for some time! And this weekend we did!
We started our journey with lunch Derk's Filet & Vine in the Cloverdale area of Montgomery. Best meat-n-3 EVER! Salmon, grilled veggies, squash casserole, turnip greens.... yum!
Here's the view from the living room of our rental home on the Mississippi Sound. Can you say "peaceful"?
For supper we ventured to The Shed for some BBQ (after seeing it featured on D, D & D). It's sweet! We came home with a bottle of the sauce. Then we stopped by Quakes for a "brown noser" -- warm brownie topped with ice cream, nuts and chocolate syrup.
This is a picture of sunrise on Saturday morning -- a cold, clear morning.
Did I mention it was cold? SO COLD. We enjoyed the art, but I didn't want to get my hands out of my pockets to take many pics! So much great work. Really amazing. And a highlight was visiting the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. This is a picture of Walter's "little room," discovered by his wife, after his death. Magical.
By the afternoon, things warmed up a bit! Plus our bellies were full from a fabulous meal at Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant. We had snapper with lump crab meat. Oh, love me some seafood! We also got a box of Tato-Nut donuts to carry home. (The line to get in the place was INSANE in the morning, but by afternoon, it had dwindled. Yay!) Here are a couple of pics of art we couldn't afford but really really wanted to bring home (and hopefully we will acquire sometime soon!).
art by Melanie Blackerby of Mobile, AL (oh my GOSH,
how I want this cotton field above our bed!)
flounder by Ronnie Cardwell (on Paul's wish list)
And here we are at the end of the day, our arms full, just before boarding the shuttle bus back to the Greyhound stadium where we left our van. :)
We ended a great day with a romantic meal at a window-view table at Anthony's Under the Oaks. We watched the sun set and enjoyed seafood and each other. (If you go, try the Tato-nut bread pudding! Sinful!) Beautiful!
And now for the latest #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser: write a personal mission statement. Here's Javacia's awesome post.
Now I will take a stab at it. Please know that I am posting my unpolished, gut-reaction response to the post. I may shiny it up later, but here's the bones:
To love the world -- all it's people and places -- by exploring, savoring beauty & being fearless in order to create meaning for myself and others through my stories and poems.
I learned about Walter Anderson from my friend Hester Bass, who wrote the book THE SECRET WORLD OF WALTER ANDERSON (illustrations by E.B. Lewis). Also, I have a couple of friends who hail from the Ocean Springs area. I've wanted to go explore the area for myself for some time! And this weekend we did!
We started our journey with lunch Derk's Filet & Vine in the Cloverdale area of Montgomery. Best meat-n-3 EVER! Salmon, grilled veggies, squash casserole, turnip greens.... yum!
Here's the view from the living room of our rental home on the Mississippi Sound. Can you say "peaceful"?
For supper we ventured to The Shed for some BBQ (after seeing it featured on D, D & D). It's sweet! We came home with a bottle of the sauce. Then we stopped by Quakes for a "brown noser" -- warm brownie topped with ice cream, nuts and chocolate syrup.
This is a picture of sunrise on Saturday morning -- a cold, clear morning.
Did I mention it was cold? SO COLD. We enjoyed the art, but I didn't want to get my hands out of my pockets to take many pics! So much great work. Really amazing. And a highlight was visiting the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. This is a picture of Walter's "little room," discovered by his wife, after his death. Magical.
By the afternoon, things warmed up a bit! Plus our bellies were full from a fabulous meal at Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant. We had snapper with lump crab meat. Oh, love me some seafood! We also got a box of Tato-Nut donuts to carry home. (The line to get in the place was INSANE in the morning, but by afternoon, it had dwindled. Yay!) Here are a couple of pics of art we couldn't afford but really really wanted to bring home (and hopefully we will acquire sometime soon!).
art by Melanie Blackerby of Mobile, AL (oh my GOSH, how I want this cotton field above our bed!)
flounder by Ronnie Cardwell (on Paul's wish list)And here we are at the end of the day, our arms full, just before boarding the shuttle bus back to the Greyhound stadium where we left our van. :)
We ended a great day with a romantic meal at a window-view table at Anthony's Under the Oaks. We watched the sun set and enjoyed seafood and each other. (If you go, try the Tato-nut bread pudding! Sinful!) Beautiful!
And now for the latest #bloglikecrazy prompt from Javacia Bowser: write a personal mission statement. Here's Javacia's awesome post.
Now I will take a stab at it. Please know that I am posting my unpolished, gut-reaction response to the post. I may shiny it up later, but here's the bones:
To love the world -- all it's people and places -- by exploring, savoring beauty & being fearless in order to create meaning for myself and others through my stories and poems.
